Nov 28, 2022
O. Deveau, Gr12 | NDRS
The Notre Dame Jugglers headed into the Provincial final having outscored their opponents 21-0 in their previous fixtures in the tournament.
The Westview Wildcats had been similarly dominant throughout their first four games, so it was going to be a tough contest. The Jugglers had lost in the semi finals last year and were looking for redemption.
Notre Dame struck early with a 10th minute goal from striker Sebastian Cirotto assisted by centre midfielder Ryan Torresan, but Westview responded right away, equalising the game in the 12th minute. It did not take long for the Jugglers to regain their lead, with another goal from Cirotto. The Jugglers added a third in the 19th minute when striker Oliver Deveau headed in a deflected cross from Cirotto.
Throughout the first half, the defense from ND allowed only the one chance by intercepting passes and winning balls in the air. Ryan and Kyle Torresan smothered the midfield of Westview making it impossible for them to play through the middle of the park. Tempers flared as a few of the players from each side got into a bit of a shoving match after a strong tackle from Notre Dame. The team battled hard and earned themselves a 3-1 lead going into half time.
In the 50th minute, centre back Marcus D’Andrea played a looping ball for Deveau who was able to chip it over the keeper and put it away for Notre Dame’s fourth goal of the game. Only four minutes later, right midfielder Damiano DiGiovanni made a perfectly timed run down the right wing and was found by Deveau. DiGiovanni slotted it into the bottom corner to give ND the fifth goal.
Goalie Mattias Ferraro was called into action in the 62nd minute, diving to save a deflection off of a free kick, and again in the 67th minute, stopping the Westview striker who was all alone in front of the net. Westview grabbed a late consolation goal in the 69th minute. Mere minutes later, the ref blew the whistle for full time, sealing the Jugglers’ second Provincial Championship in the last three competitive seasons.
The coaches prepared the team extraordinarily well before each game. Coach Pavan led the team talks and tactics, Coach Tempesta gave the scouting report for each opponent, and Coach Simone Masi, himself a ND Alumnus (Grad 2019 ) provided valuable individual coaching throughout the tournament.
Several players from ND received awards for their outstanding performances, including Sebastian Cirotto (Super 16, MVP), Oliver Deveau (Golden Boot), and Mattias Ferraro (Top Goalie).
Most members of the starting 11 are graduating this June, but Ferraro for one will take Coach Pavan's words, "Class and Respect," with him.
"The guys [on next year's team] will have great experience and chemistry because they were able to play in the final. We will be cheering for them to win again."